Hooking Empathy

The man had been enjoying a pleasant walk in the country, when he came across the distressing scenario of a young creature deserted by its mother. Moved by the innocence and helplessness, he took it home and cared for it and called it Nuzzer A bond was formed.

However, as it grew, it became difficult to cope with in the home setting , and the man searched for a more permanent solution for this creature that had become his friend, and that had given him so many hours of pleasure. Successful at last, he identified a place that he was sure Nuzzer would be looked after, and the man’s mind was at rest.

It was the day before Nuzzer was due to leave, that the dreadful accident happened. Suddenly startled, Nuzzer leapt from the windowsill where he had been dozing, and broke his neck.

The man was broken hearted at the loss of this little creature, and wrote the following words. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did: and that it gives pause for thought in a world which can seem to be so full of violence and hate.

There was nothing magical. He had offered a young creature care and sustenance, and it had blossomed and flourished. The tragedy of the ending evoked great emotion. It was humbling to see the respect and the love on display for a small, insignificant animal, and realise how much we are capable of, once empathy has been hooked.